Soil compaction and earthworks

What this module covers

• Distinguish compaction (expelling air) from consolidation (expelling water)
• Explain the shape of the dry-unit-weight vs water-content compaction curve
• Define optimum water content and maximum dry unit weight
• Derive and use the zero-air-voids line as the ceiling every curve sits below
• Explain how compactive effort shifts the curve
• Interpret a field specification (percentage of maximum dry density, air voids)

Lessons

1. 6.1

   What compaction does

   Expelling air to densify soil, and why it differs from consolidation.

   Start lesson →
2. 6.2

   The compaction curve and the zero-air-voids line

   Optimum water content, maximum dry unit weight, and the ceiling no curve can cross.

   Start lesson →
3. 6.3

   Compaction in the field

   From the laboratory curve to a site specification and its control.

   Start lesson →